"Boredom is the desire for happiness left in its pure state."-Giacomo Leopardi"Something that would reduce or enhance the feeling of boredom." - "We're not bored." "We're not capable of it."-Maurice Blanchot

Monday, June 20, 2005

30 Days (to give "slumming" a new name)

Finally, some Reality TV! I can only watch this guy and his girlfriend suffer for so long, but I'm glad he's doing it and it sure beats the shit out of 24.

Last Tuesday, American Progress hosted a screening of the first episode of the new series 30 Days. In the first installment, Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) and his fiancée, Alexandra Jamieson, spend a month trying to live on the minimum wage in Columbus, Ohio, where they seek jobs, affordable housing and the best possible quality of life. The event opened with remarks from Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). Following the screening, John Podesta, president and CEO of American Progress, moderated a panel including Morgan Spurlock, Alexandra Jamieson, and Steven Kest, executive director of ACORN. Click here for video, audio and transcript of the event.